retiring

American  

[ri-tahyuhr-ing] / rɪˈtaɪər ɪŋ /

adjective

1. that retires.

2. withdrawing from contact with others; reserved; shy.

   Synonyms:

   timid, bashful, diffident

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retiring British  

/ rɪˈtaɪərɪŋ /

adjective

1. shunning contact with others; shy; reserved

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Other Word Forms

• nonretiring adjective
• retiringly adverb
• retiringness noun
• unretiring adjective

Etymology

Origin of retiring

First recorded in 1540–50; retire + -ing ²

Example Sentences

“It all stems from getting his butt kicked against stronger, more physical people,” said Travis Diener, who spent parts of five seasons in the NBA before retiring to the CGL.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

We also have articles from contributors Edd and Cynthia Staton, who have written on MarketWatch about retiring abroad and still claiming Social Security benefits.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

"I don't want to change and there are people who - are actively retiring because of this change - and because of the lack of information which is coming our direction," he warned.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

Carpino is the Angels’ president, retiring Monday after 16 years in that role and 23 years in all as a loyal executive under Angels owner Arte Moreno.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

The automatic Doberman growled as it made a last tour of the lawn before retiring to its kennel.

From "The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm" by Nancy Farmer